"An ambition to make people feel at home" or "the Emperor's new clothes"? Professional stakeholder views of wellness centres in cancer care

OBJECTIVE: Wellness centres offer people affected by cancer to access to information and services in a supportive environment. This study aimed to understand stakeholder opinions and perspectives about the potential of wellness centres to contribute to cancer care. METHODS: This study adopted a qualitative approach with health professionals, leaders of key cancer organisations and cancer policy stakeholders interviewed. Results were analysed with thematic analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three stakeholders representing 13 organisations participated. The following three key themes were identified: (a) The promise and ambition of wellness centres; (b) The hesitations and questions; and (c) Optimising wellness. While many recognised the ambition of wellness centres to offer non-clinical spaces and support for patients and family, there were several concerns raised about the drivers, evidence, throughput, access and equity of services, in the context of other cancer care priorities. Participants made recommendations that focused on use of data; models of community or clinical integration; accessibility and scope; approaches to engaging minority or disadvantaged groups and contribution to cancer care and psycho-oncology. CONCLUSION: Professional stakeholders hold varied views about the potential of wellness centres in contributing to cancer care. Research opportunities include understanding models of community clinical engagement and how to engage minority or disadvantaged populations to ensure equity of access.